[AUTHOR’S NOTE: This post will continuously update until Wednesday, March 27, 2024.]
OUR ANNUAL TRADITION continues once again as our blog enters its second decade.
In our newscasts, we often highlight stories about people leaving Metro Manila and heading to their home provinces via various public transportation modes1. We also cover Triduum-related events and locations, along with keeping a close watch on fluctuating gas prices and seasonal food costs, especially fish and seafood.
During the Triduum, our traditional free-to-air TV broadcasts follow a peculiar set schedule: fewer repeated commercials, televised liturgies (including the Seven Last Words), and even a full airing of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments (1956). Movie marathons are quite popular, particularly on Black Saturday.
Instead of revisiting insights from the previous decade of specialized programming (like no Lotto draws, etc.), this year I’ll focus on those affected, such as new channels entering the scene and production companies facing challenges with content creation.
New Channel in Play
Since the last Holy Week, a new free-to-air channel has been introduced: RPTV, which was launched February 1, 2024, replacing CNN Philippines.
Content: Primarily airs TV5’s news, entertainment, and sports shows.
Triduum Status: As this is the first time, it’s uncertain but public opinion says it will be on 53-47. (UPDATE, Mar. 24: They’ll be off, according to Cignal EPG.)
Other Channels Expected to Sign Off
Many channels (listed below) will likely take a break during the Triduum for maintenance and staff vacation, except for major events or emergencies.
- GMA DTT subchannels (e.g. GTV, Hallypop, I Heart Movies, etc.)
- TV5 DTT subchannels (e.g. One Sports)
- Both government TV channels (PTV and IBC)
- ALLTV (As confirmed by Bro. Ryan America: They will be unprecedentedly off the air from Holy Monday to Black Saturday.)
- ALIW 23
- RJTV
The Expected Themes
This Holy Week’s religious programming is expected to prioritize prayerful reflection on the upcoming 2025 Jubilee, aside from the Synod on Synodality’s conclusion.
In both themes, 67% of respondents are likely to be integrated.
When Meng Canlas promoted her fully-taped version of the 7 Last Words for this year (the 37th), to be aired on TV Maria on pay TV and online this Good Friday, it didn’t explicitly mention a specific theme unlike in previous years.
As is tradition, the Dominicans to be aired on GMA integrated the prayer theme but the program will last two hours instead of the traditional three.
Frontline on the Triduum?
While GMA’s 24 Oras has consistently featured special Triduum newscasts since 2021, viewers are eyeing TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas (now running daily, including weekend editions). MoSS Respondents are slightly against for this coverage – 53 to 47.
(UPDATE, Mar. 24: As Cignal EPG confirmed, as mentioned by Gian Paolo dela Cruz, there is no special treatment for FLP. No newscast on Thursday but they do on Saturday, similar to regular schedule.)
Drama Specials from Noontime Shows
During the weekdays of Holy Week (i.e. Monday to Wednesday), the noontime shows transform from their usual rowdy format to a more solemn and reflective presentation (dramas). In some cases, to maintain balance and keep the programming from becoming overly somber, they include some lighthearted segments.
Unfortunately, Tahanang Pinakamasaya failed to reach this unique week in PHTV broadcasting. (Click here about the unfortunate fate of that program and its production company I published last Friday.)
Eat Bulaga
After a prolonged pandemic, the country’s longest-running noontime show reran old classics instead of new productions last year, amid increased anticipation for new Lenten dramas.
During this time, tensions between TVJ and TAPE, Inc. surfaced on gossip websites and social media, eventually leading to their departure from the production company on May 31, 2023.
After resolving legal issues and finding a new home on TV5, the EB Lenten drama specials are back this year. Carren Eistrup, 15, will finally join one of the most significant rites of passage as a Legit Dabarkad, alongside Miles Ocampo and Atasha Muhlach.
Following a five-year hiatus, their Holy Week dramas are returning with three new productions, one airing each weekday:
Now, how about…?
While “It’s Showtime” offers a chill vibe (including their intellectual property unlike what EB and TAPE saga), a Monthly Sundry Survey reveals that most (63%) don’t think they’ll deliver a Lenten drama presentation like TVJ. We can’t blame them due to financial bottlenecks but — as of March 20, 2024 — they’ll be the new noontime show for GMA (the main channel) starting April 6, which drives both impatient fans of the show and indignant detractors crazy with varying reactions. It’s unthinkable — as a term-limited Senator described on his X post — but for die-hard GMA loyalists online, it is a letdown, with some incensed against their beloved, dominant network for surrendering their creative edge.
If they had those shows back (had not for the inevitable event of 2020), viewers would have been split on whether they could do three or six presentations.
Religious Specials
The Triduum services will continue as usual times, including the Seven Last Words. Power to Unite’s special and The 700 Club Asia’s Tanikala (CBN Asia) will also continue as scheduled.
We’ll now focus on a specific production company:
Jesuit Communications’ (JesCom) Holy Week Specials
Over the past two years (2022 and 2023), JesCom’s annual Holy Week specials were shown on CNN Philippines. However, with the channel shutting down on January 31, the religious content creator based in Katipunan is now looking for a new broadcaster for their upcoming documentary.
Their options have narrowed down to GMA or TV5, as A2Z may not be suitable due to denominational differences. Nevertheless, JesCom has previously aired their specials on both networks.
JesCom’s last Holy Week special on GMA, “Fiesta: Ang Makulay na Pananampalatayang Pilipino,” was broadcast in 2021, marking their first and only collaboration with the network so far. This came after a year-long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of their rival channel.
The most recent TV5 special was “Liwanag sa Dilim,” which aired back in 2012.
According to the recently-concluded MoSS, 69% of respondents are looking forward to a new special this year. Among the two channels, there’s a preference towards GMA as the hosting network, with a split of 55 to 45. (UPDATE: The announced schedule on GMA released doesn’t have one. JesCom takes a break — airing their bests this week over their social media handles — and I think it’s understandable as they have done so much with GomBurZa, the most acclaimed MMFF 2023 entry, which they’ll be streaming on Netflix come April 9.)
How about APT?
APT Entertainment ceased producing Black Saturday dramas for GMA after 2019 due to the pandemic’s impact. Additionally, like with TAPE, it didn’t introduce any new series last year because Antonio P. Tuviera retired as the president and CEO of the recently-disgraced and dissolved production company in March of that year.
The production company made a comeback by co-producing “Rewind,” a recent MMFF box office hit, but it didn’t receive much awards recognition.
However, this has put the production company in the spotlight regarding a potential comeback for the Triduum. Viewers are hopeful for a return (69%), possibly on TV5 after their 5-year hiatus, similar to Eat Bulaga.
But let’s be honest, they have regular productions with TV5 like Emoji Nation, Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills (ending on Easter) and soon, Padyak Princess.
Any Teleseryes Ending This Holy Week?
On GMA, only Love. Die. Repeat. will conclude on Spy Wednesday (March 27).
Conclusion
With that in mind, this enshrined, unique tradition on PHTV endures, but it faces the inevitable, evolving trends occurring within linear free-to-air television at the moment.
Check social media of media outlets for specific schedules. PHTVRadioSked will be recording the events of this year.
For non-religious viewers or those who have moved on from traditional TV (out of frustration with dealings and/or technological advancements), this long weekend offers a chance to stream your favorite shows on your preferred platform.
I wish you a blessed and meaningful Holy Week, followed by a joyous Easter. I look forward to reconnecting in April!
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Photos courtesy of Vatican News
- This Holy Week marks the final operation of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) before a 5-year hiatus in the metropolis for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, unlike the MRT and LRT which will resume after their annual maintenance. ↩︎
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